Two weeks in a row and the Lobo offense is playing
drop the tamale. Last week TCU scored like 26 points with 72 yards of
offense or
something crazy like that, fast forward to Texas A&M and QB Donovan Porterie gift wraps a TD via an interception and sets the Aggies up in
great
field position for two more scores with an interception and fumble as
the
Aggies beat the Lobos 28-22.
The
first year the Lobos have the same offensive coordinator
running the same offense in years and the Lobos look like they have to
go back
to the drawing board offensively as Jr. Donovan Porterie looked like a
true
frosh with his first look at the playbook. Coming off a poor
performance vs.
TCU last week Porterie looked like he was poised for a super game
hitting his
first 4 passes. Combined with Rodney’s rushing the Lobos offense looked
to
prove that last week’s performance was a fluke…
Unfortunately
Porterie’s 5th pass ended up in
Aggie defender Jordan Peterson’s hand for a 48 yard interception return
for the
game’s opening score. To compound problems Porterie’s next pass attempt
was
picked off by Arkeith Brown and A&M built a quick 14 point lead.
The
Lobo defense on the other hand was solid knocking out
A&M QB Stephen McQueen out of the game early, and were playing a
solid
game… They did have one lapse prior to halftime gun and what a horrid
lapse it
was… Or was it?
A&M
took the ball over on their own 7 yard line after a
superb Adam Miller punt. A&M’s Jerrod Jackson led the Aggies down
the field
with smart plays where he didn’t force passes up, throwing the ball
away when
any pressure… Whether inside the pocket or not… The Lobos eventually
stopped
the Aggies on the Lobo 45 when the referee pulled his yellow flag up
and called
roughing the passer on UNM’s Ian Clark giving the Aggies new life.
Still the
Lobos pressure Jackson who throws one into the stands while being in
the
pocket… The referee did not pull his flag this time. Next play in one
on one
coverage A&M WR Jeff Fuller pulled an interception out of UNM’s
DeAndre Wright’s hands for the Aggie’s 3rd touchdown.
After
the kickoff Coach Long was seen moving onto the field
and giving said referee a piece of his mind. Couldn’t hear what Coach
Long
said, but I’m pretty sure he was explaining the rule of intentional
grounding…
The
2nd half found the Lobo defense and special
teams really setting the tone as they were popping Aggies left and
right,
dominating the Aggie line, while Ian Clark turned in a great
performance
returning punts as well as picking up a muffed punt!
In
my opinion thanks to special teams play and the defense
the momentum had once again turned UNM’s way when a bobbled
snap/fumbled that
was picked up by A&M’s Michael Bennett who returned it to the New Mexico
21. A&M picked up their 4th and eventual game winning TD.
Still
the Lobos had a chance to win as Donovan Porterie
guided the Lobos on 2 long time consuming drives for two touchdowns
sans 2
point conversion.
Adam
Miller who was solid all day as a punter couldn’t come
up with either onside kick and the game ended A&M 28-22
What went Right!
Defense!
D-Fence! On fire once again. They did give up a
couple of third and long situations, but nobody is perfect, and their
one big
drive given up was suspect at best.
Ian
Clark and the Punt return team were awesome! They gave the
Lobos great field position most of the afternoon.
Adam
Miller bounces back and has a solid game!
Aho
and Zamora did their jobs to perfection!
Hitmen
are progressing
What Went Wrong!
New Mexican’s stink as sports fans. 28007 in the
stadium for
this game shows that New Mexico fans are still not ready for prime
time. They
talk a big talk, but are crippled when it comes to the walk.
Turnovers! Turnovers! Turnovers! Thus far the 2008 season is
filled with turnovers.
Inconsistent
passing- Not going to blame the QB or the WR
here as it is on all of them to get it done!
Offensive Player of the Game
Rodney
Ferguson- 19 carries 144 yards 2 touchdowns on the
ground. Toss in 5 receptions for 22 yards and Rodney put in a good
effort.
Defensive Player of the Game
Punter- Adam Miller
I really
wanted to give this to Ian Clark as he
deserves a mention but the past week maligned Adam Miller stepped up
today in a
big way! 5 punts for a 42 yard average. 5 punts where the hang time was
acceptable, and pinning the Aggies within the there own 10-yard line
twice
In
the Locker Room with Rudy C.
Rudy
C. had the dubious duty of going into the locker room after the game to
speak with Lobo players and coaches. Today Rudy C. caught up with
DeAndre Wright and Matt Quillen.
As
an added bonus prior to the game Rudy caught up with some A&M
fans...
Glad to
pay $50.00 a ticket
Photo courtesy of
NewMexicoSportsNews.com